_Ros._ (_operating_). I had forgotten I might not question;—’tis a surgeon’s habit.— First,—for where all are eager with their tale,— ’Tis only courteous to invite the telling:— But chiefly—that it stablishes his judgment— Built on appearances,—and banishes 1050 Conjecture from experience;—as ’twould now For me,—should this man say,—’twas yesterday The wound was made;—and he that dealt it me Stood on my left,—and thro’ my arm outstretched,— In attitude of striking at another,— Thrust with—a sword.—Stir not, ’tis nearly done.— But I withdrew my arm ere he his weapon.— Loose not thy grasp: loose not! _Mar._ Sir, my attention Was taken by your story. Never speak: ’Twill mar your work. 1060 _Ros._ ’Tis a small thing. ’Tis done. ’Twas an unlucky lunge that lanced thee there. (_To Mar._) What thinkest thou of my story? _Mar._ ’Twas but guessing. _Ros._ Nay, inference. ’Twere guess to say, the skill Which staunched the running blood, but could no more, Might be thy brother’s: that this sunburnt arm, Fine skin, and youthful fibre, were the body Of John Palicio. _Pal._ (_discovering_). I am betrayed! _Ros._ Not so: Then had I held my tongue. _Pal._ True.—What’s thy name? _Ros._ My name is Rosso. Sling thine arm across: There must it rest until the wound be healed. 1070 _Mar._ You have guessed the secret, sir, which we withheld In your respect. This is my brother’s house; This is Palicio. Guard now what you have learned As closely, I pray, as if we had freely told it. _Ros._ Not to thee, lady, though in this and all I am thy servant; yet not now to thee I speak, but to Giovànn Palicio; To whom I say he need not ask of me Promise or oath. The good I am proud to have done I shall not spoil by blabbing. _Pal._ Thank thee, Rosso. 1080 _Ros._ Noble and brave Palicio, mayst thou prosper. [_Bandaging his own eyes._ _Pal._ Thank thee, I thank thee, Rosso. So now my arm Is mended. By heaven! this surgery hath a trick Worth knowing, could one learn it easily. _Ros._ (_blindfold_). Come, lady, and lead me forth. _Mar._ Why, what is this? You know your way: there’s nothing now to hide. _Ros._ Didst thou not bargain with me to lead me back? _Mar._ But there’s no need. _Ros._ Yet will I claim my fee. Where is thy hand? _Mar._ Sir, you but trifle.